Chadar

Overview

Walking on Frozen river of Zanskar is an ultimate experience for adventure lover. The traditional name of the trek is "Chadar trek" the frozen sheet, which was the only way in and out for Zanskaris in winter when all other ways are closed due to heavy snowfall at high passes. Therefore, it had been trade route for centuries for Zanskari People. Now the route is also famous as winter trekking among adventure lovers. For the last several years, we have been organizing this winter trek in three different options with trained local Zanskari porters and our well-experienced guide and staff.

The most isolated and made inaccessible for nearly eight months a year due to heavy snowfall resulting in the closure of all the access passes, Zanskar has the distinction of being the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh, and thus one of the last few surviving cultural satellites of Tibet. This geographical isolation together with the esoteric nature of Buddhism practiced here has enabled its some ten thousand inhabitants to preserve and perpetuate their cultural identity. This Chadar trek allows you to penetrate this isolation and to examine some of the villages along the Zanskar River in the midst of winter and thus catch a glimpse of the lifecycle during this unique time of the year. A visit to the ancient monastic establishments of Karsha and Zangla promises to heighten your insight into the mysteries of this Shangri-la, a land and culture frozen in time behind the ramparts of the Zanskar mountains. Chilling and Lingshed are the only sizeable villages on this trek until Hanamur and Pidmo before Pishu and Zangla in Zanskar, all the rest are names of places and caves along the route.

Itinerary

Duration : 7nights/ 8 days

Day 01 : Report at Leh. Acclimatize and Overnight at Guest House. Advisable to come a day before for better acclimatization.

Day 02 : Rest and Acclimatization at Leh. Preparations for the Trek - Briefing / Purchase of Gears.

Any additional permits levied over currently applicable by local authorities.

GST Extra (5%)

FYI : WE don't provide heater or recommend using heater during stay before trek is not recommended as per acclamitization. During return stay we provide it.

Normally Summiters expects you to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don’t want to carry your backpack so you can give it to porter, but you have to inform us minimum 10 days in advance and have to pay extra Rs. 500 per day for all trekking days i.e. Rs. 500 x 5= Rs. 2,500 per bag of a maximum of 10 kgs.

Additional Costs/Extensions

Q: How do I get from Delhi to Leh ?There are frequent flights from Delhi to Leh as the road is inaccessible during winters.

Q: I do not want to carry my rucksack. Can arrangements be made to carry it?We expect the trekkers to carry their own backpack and recommend the same. In exceptional cases where assistance is needed Summiters can help make arrangements at an extra cost of Rs 1000/day - per backpack for the trek. It is requested, that as far as possible, trekkers inform of this need before the trek.

Q: Will part of my money be refunded if I drop out of the trek mid way?If you drop out of the trek mid-way the money would not be refunded. Also, the individuals would have to bear actual charges that are incurred, like arranging pony/porter/transportation to get you back safely to the trailhead.

FAQ

Q: Who can do this trek?A: If you can walk on an average of 5 to 6km without a problem, then you can! If you have specific health issues like asthma, heart issues or the likes, consult your doctor.

Q: How cold does it get?A: It depends on where you come from, but from an Indian context – it can get quite cold. The temperature in the higher regions can touch -15 degrees at night. So be prepared and carry warm clothing. Although multiple layers will serve the purpose, it can get quite heavy and uncomfortable. Your best bet would be to buy a professional high altitude down jacket.

Q: What should we carry?A: The following items are a must-carry:Shoes: A good pair of shoes is a must - a good pair does not mean your Adidas/ Nike/ Reebok/ Puma sport shoe. You need a pair that can withstand the wear and tear of walking for many days. A bad shoe can ruin your trek by causing blisters. Ask us, we can help you in choosing the right one for your budget.The other things you need to carry are : gloves, a skull cap, a sun hat/cap, your personal clothes and toiletry kit, a good pair of sun glasses, a water bottle and your personal medicines (if necessary).Your sleeping bag, mat and tents will be provided to you by Summiters.

Q: What food do you provide?A: We provide simple vegetarian food that is light and suitable for trekking. Don’t expect pizza hut or an Anand Bhavan - nor will you have to go hunting. You will have enough and when you are tired – anything served will taste superb!

Q: Is the mountain water safe to drink?A: Yes. It’s as pure as it can be. But if you are finicky – you can buy mineral water

Q: Can I charge by phone on the trek?A: The last point where you can charge it is at Leh.

Q: How can I prepare myself?A: Take daily long walks or jogs.

T&C

Terms and Conditions

All about the Elusive star

Here are our conditions:

Cancellation Policy (Calculated on the total package cost and not the advance only)

Up to 30 Days :- 80% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.

Between 21 - 30 Days :- 30% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.

Between 20 - 11 Days :- 15% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refunded.

Less than 10 Days :- No refund.

Any requests on cancellation will not be taken over the phone.

In case the Chadar Trek gets cancelled cause of natural phenomenon or any other reason beyond our control, we shall arrange for alternative treks like Lamayuru Trek, Zanskar Valley Trek or the Indus River Trek looking at the situation and possibility of the events. If the participant is unwilling to go for the alternative trek, there would be no refund or no voucher issued. As for Chadar trek, all the services have to be arranged before hand and can not be shifted to any other date.No show and trek changes/cancellation due to bad weather or natural calamity will be non-refundable. No money shall be refunded in case a person is rescued and brought back to the base camp before the said date. If the travellers need to return before the trip ends, they shall have to bear all the expenses for accommodation and meals at Leh or any other place.

In Case of Casuality:

If any trekker feels unwell and has to be brought back to the base camp. All the charges, Including The rescue fees, medication, Ambulance/Transport, Accommodation apart from the scheduled itinerary, Meals or any other medical or Miscellaneous expenses will have to be borne by the trekker. We have one Backup plan by which people unwilling to continue to carry on with the trek can accompany the person heading back to the base camp with the team only once. If in case a second emergency occurs, The Complete Trek will be terminated and all the participants shall be immediately dropped back to the base camp.P.S. We are only liable to offer the services mentioned as per the itinerary and inclusions.

Unused Services:

We shall not offer or pay any discounts or refunds for missed or unused services which were missed or unused by the client due to no fault of ours, or our representatives, which shall include any termination of the client’s participation in the tour product due to the client’s own fault, negligence or breach of these Terms.

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